How can I be a good friend? // Philippians 2:19-24
*MAIN IDEA: Will you be a good friend that points to Jesus?
Proverbs 27:17 — “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
Philippians 2:19-24 — “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
Be a good friend that will…
1- Lift their spirits (v. 19)
I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you.
- Timothy was encouraging.
John 16:33 — “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Be a good friend that will…
2- Want the best for them. (v. 20-21)
For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
“Paul characterized Timothy three ways: he genuinely cared for their interests, he valued the things of Jesus Christ and others, and he had proven character, refined in the demands of gospel ministry.” –CSB Study Bible
- Timothy genuinely cared.
Philippians 2: 1-4 — “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus..”
Be a good friend that will…
3- Serve the Lord alongside them. (v. 22-24)
But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
- Timothy was faithful to Jesus.
Matthew Weaver 
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